Ugh. I’m running out of vacation–and discretionary income. Rebirth is partly to blame for both, thanks to bigger weekly bags and bills. Also to blame: my love for the heroes of my childhood and my having the constitution of a totalitarian state.

DC and me!

Oh, there’s other stuff, too.

Black Hammer #2 (Dark Horse): I&N Demand Re: #1: Jeff Lemire nailed it: he delivered Essex County with superheroes. Finally. A nice way to follow up Plutonia, which lived in that realm, for sure, but leaned more on the kids than on the capes. Lemire lets loose here, trusting his instincts, as he fans the flames of familiarity, forging, with Dean Ormston and Dave Stewart’s beautiful balance between fantastic and rustic, something unflinchingly fresh. I’ve been down on Lemire’s “doing what he does” to decidedly disappointing degrees (Descender/Sweet Tooth, Trillium/Hawkeye, Bloodshot: Reborn/Moon Knight); here, however, the antecedent doesn’t drown out the current–it enlivens it.

Briggs Land #1 (Dark Horse): Just I&N Brian Wood’s as good as it gets. His Black Road–also out this week—is a solid book: it has a Massive feel to it, and satisfies for that; but I’m hungry for more, you know, with the final course of the perfectly plated Starve having been served up far, far too soon. Expectations are very high for this one. Hey: This is a Briggs deal, I&Nmates!

Batgirl and The Birds of Prey #1 (DC)

Batman #5 (DC): I&N Demand Re: #4: Fear has a new number: 27. Through four issues, Tom King’s got Batman doing things by the numbers–in more ways than one; oh, add ’em up yourself–but this one’s let him down. Aww, snap! The personification of Gotham makes for many wrinkles that King’ll most assuredly irony out by arc’s end. It might take a miracle, man, to put this kid down. Does Batman have it in him? I can’t wait to see how this rounds out!

Nightwing #3 (DC)

Suicide Squad #3 (DC)

Superman #5 (DC)

Black Road #5 (Image)

The Wicked & The Divine #22 (Image): I&N Demand A monthly bright spot–not only because of Matthew Wilson’s way cray-cray colors. OK, mostly because of Wilson’s way cray-cray colors. Sure, Gillen’s greatness shines here, too; and McKelvie’s impeccable consistency is absolutely ambrosial. Thing is, when I think WicDiv, I get most excited about the prospect of Wilson’s wielding his nonpareil palette in yet another innovative way. (He’s also killing it over on Black Widow and hammering home The Mighty Thor, which are out this week, as well. But if you’re a Wilson enthusiast, you already know that!)

Black Widow #6 (Marvel)

The Mighty Thor #10 (Marvel)

Mockingbird #6 (Marvel): I&N Demand Re: #5: “There’s a gift store?” Damn right, there is–and it’s well stocked with Mockingbird! Thank you, Chelsea Cain for your quirky chaos, which is clearly a clever way to, at the same time, mask and amplify your obsessive control over the story you’re telling. High praise: reminds of James Ausmus’s recent run on Quantum & Woody. Concern: these big-event tie-ins more often than not murder momentum. I’m gonna go into this one singing, “We will, we will Mock you!” So good or bad, I’m covered!

Lady Killer #4 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand Has been so very good. How good? #1 was our #4 Book of January. #3 will probably end up in our Top 5 for March, what with that stair-raising page turn and all. (I love how serpentine Josie looks as she’s about to slither up the stairs.) With this month’s offering and one more to go, Jones and Rich’s Lady Killer sure is “going somewhere”–straight toward our Top Ten for 2015! High heels down, it’s been the year’s best mini.

Lady Killer #4

Neverboy #2 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first one. At first I found it kind of annoying; I was really ready to race through it just to get it over with. When I got to that moment–if you read it, you know the moment–I was like “Wow!” and, wouldn’t you know, not put off by the –ugh!–police force, which reminded–and not in a good way–of the Sex Police from Sex Criminals; and as I ultimately finished–not in a manner that reminded of Sex Criminals, mind you–I felt compelled to give it another go. That’s right: I read it again, right then and there, displaying a rather impressive rereading refractory period, if I do say so myself. Yeah, that doesn’t happen often.

Neverboy #2

Convergence #0 (DC)

G.I. Joe #7 (IDW)

Millennium #3 (IDW)

The Dying & the Dead #2 (Image) I&N Demand Really liked #1. It had the potential of collapsing under its own weight–and weighty it was in more ways than one; but it held up well, delivering those heavy Hickman notes that, when they’re right, are as good as it gets.

The Dying & The Dead #2

Southern Bastards #8 (Image) I&N Demand Aaron and Latour deserve a championship ring for almost every issue of Southern Bastards--but particularly for Coach Boss’s backstory, which has been executed like the perfect game plan.

Southern Bastards #8

No Mercy #1 (Image)

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #11 (Marvel) I&N Demand So, whatever Daddy Rand has brought to NYC is clearly the mother of all mistakes. But what Kaare Andrews has brought Iron Fist–hey. and to comics, in general–is a the most kinetic visual narrative this side of Kindt’s perpetually energetic Mind MGMT. I mean, come on: in #10, Andrews destroys the staple-bound rules of space and time by having Danny punch his way across six pages–three double-page spreads of strike and follow-through that come together as a bone-and-nut-and-bolt crushing six-page spread–in a striking scene that leaves Danny, despite his best shot, at the mercy of his maniacal–and mechanical–father. Sure, Iron Fist may be The Living Weapon, but Iron Fist: The Living Weapon is about as close to a living, breathing comic book as you’re gonna get.

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #11

Blackcross #2 (Dynamite)

War Stories #7 (Avatar)

X-O Manowar #35 (Valiant)

Avery’s Picks of the Week

My Little Pony: Fiendship Is Magic #1 (IDW)

Feathers #4 (BOOM!): Avery loves following the adventures of Poe and Bianca! Aw, heck: so do I!

Wednesday’s forecast for the weather outside of my local comic shop is pretty much the same as its been: as cold as can be. (I guess someone’s gone and ticked off Elsa again.) The forecast for inside, however, is hot hot hot! (That’s right: the way to thaw a frozen heart is with an act of true love–in this case, a perfectly pulled bag of comics!) Speaking of hot books: our Top Ten Books of 2014 is well represented this week. Take a peek:

I know better, though: B&R‘s been a huge disappointment for months now. In fact, I finally got around to dropping it from my pull list last month. No longer under any obligation, I should leave it on the shelf and fill the void with something new. God knows there will be plenty of players for the spot. Image alone has a thousand new titles coming out in the next few months, so…

Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #4 (Image): I can’t be the only one who’s noticed: the current arc of Astro City‘s been a bit blah; but this has been really, really good. Coincidence?

Bitch Planet #3 (Image): I enjoyed #1 for all sorts of reasons (exploiting exploitation, lots of Tarantino, hints of Fraction, etc.). Hey: borrowing works well when it works well. Oh, but when it doesn’t… #2 lost me from the get-go–especially as I was taken immediately to a low budget modern-day exploitation flick that I caught one night on one of the Showtime or HBO channels: Raze, starring Tarantino darling Zoë Bell. Coincidence?

Raze (2013)

I’ll try this one and see where it takes me.

Lazarus #15 (Image) I&N Demand Our #2 book of 2014! It’s what we’ve been waiting for for like, well, forever: Forever in a Trial by Combat against another Lazarus!

All-New Captain America #4 (Marvel): I know, I know. But it hasn’t been terrible. And this time out, Remender’s dusting off the Armadillo! Gotta wonder, though, what effect Secret Wars is going to have on this little experiment–and if it’s worth following a dead title shelf-sitting.

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #9 (Marvel): I love what Kaare Andrews is doing with Danny Rand. In fact, Iron Fist was my #16 book of 2014–and my third-favorite superhero monthly after Silver Surfer and Moon Knight. High praise, indeed!

Magneto #15 (Marvel): Bunn’s done a nice job of telling stories from issue to issue. He’s delivered some nice twists along the way, too. #14 ended with Magneto’s giving himself up to S.H.I.E.L.D. Wonder what his endgame is…

Moon Knight #12 (Marvel) I&N Demand Our #8 book of 2014! #11 ended on a bit of a down note–you know, with Marc Spector falling out of a flying detention facility and all. (Wood and Smallwood must’ve watched–and liked–Stallone’s waterlogged–yet undeniably watchable–prison break bingo, Escape Plan, as they delivered quite an homage with Spector in Stallone’s role and Khonshu in Schwarzenegger’s.) Not looking forward to saying goodbye to Wood and Smallwood, but I am looking forward to seeing how they end their arc–and how they leave things for Cullen Bunn and Ron Ackins. Maybe they’ll reach back to Bullet to the Head. Or Avenging Angelo…

Uncanny X-Men #31 (Marvel): Bendis is on his way out. That promises some real havoc in the X-Universe. No, really–look:

Uncanny X-Men #31

Burning Fields #2 (BOOM!): Kinda like a cross between The Killing and Homeland. Not a bad thing.

Cap Stone #3 (Titan): Some real high points: the conversation between Charlie and her mom; the wild shifts in Sharp’s artwork. Some low points, too: the conversation between Charlie and her mom; the wild shifts in Sharp’s artwork. I loved #1. #2, however, exposed a serious flaw: inconsistency. Still intriguing enough, though.

Mono #3 (Titan): Another book from Liam Sharp that took a step back after a very promising premier. What spoiled the sophomore offering: the conversation–coincidence?–between Heinrich and Isabella, which acts as a dragline on the storyline. Also seems waaaaaay too serious for a book about an ape-man secret agent and assassin for the Queen, doesn’t it? It’s so goddamned dour! I do like the layered approach that Sharp’s taking to create the Mono myth, however.

The Valiant #3 (Valiant) I&N Demand I liked #1 enough–but I absolutely loved #2! I was particularly struck by the artistic collaboration between Lemire and Kindt on the storybook section. Sure, many of the notes that are struck remind of Lemire’s run on Animal Man; but what the hell–they work well here, so all the better!

The Valiant #3

The Twilight Zone #12 (Dynamite) I&N Demand Our #10 book of 2014! This issue ends an extremely powerful arc and Straczynski and Vilanova’s superior run. So sad to see this go. Hmm. Maybe–just maybe–I could travel back in time and kill another series–Dream Police, for instance–in its place…

The Massive #25 (Dark Horse): Since February, The Massive has been an I&N monthly Top 5 Book. That’s a record five months in a row! On the strength of that, I think it’s safe to say that Brian Wood’s book is headed for the Top Ten of 2014. For the most part, “Sahara” delivered its powerful feminist message in the understated manner–Women! Water! Life!–we’ve come to expect from Wood. (If I’m being fair, Part Three felt a bit preachy at times, but not to the detriment of the issue or of the arc.) The final arc–with its promise of Massive answers–begins here.

Veil #4 (Dark Horse): Has been somewhat disappointing–the last issue, in particular. I’m not caring too much about the femme ratale. There’s something all too familiar about her. Fejzula’s art’s been good, though. I’m riding it out because it’s a fiver.

East of West #14 (Image): Has been North of Excellent. Hickman and Dragotta certainly took their time building a big world–which is Hickman’s bag, ain’t it?; oh, but they’ve been hitting big–no, really big notes of late. (#12, in particular, was ridiculously good.) A dark robot horse for my personal pick for the Top Ten of 2014.

Fatale #24 (Image): Lots of love for the poetic penultimate issue. I thought it was spectacular, really–visually (different for Phillips on Fatale that’s for sure) and in terms of revelations. Brubaker went Big Bang, man. As I’m remembering, I’m still kinda affected by the whole thing with Josephine’s son. Creepy as hell, but, in the end, necessary, no? Speaking of the end: this is the femme finale–and I have no doubt: “It’s going to hurt.” Yeah, it’s going to be tough to say goodbye to one of our favorite books.

Fatale #24

Low #1 (Image): I couldn’t be any lower on a creator than I am on Remender. Why would I do this to myself??

Outcast #2 (Image): “Demons are the new zombies,” eh? The first issue was a decent set up. It’s no Thomas Alsop, that’s for sure; but I’ll give it a few, you know, to see where it goes. (If you’re not reading Thomas Alsop from BOOM! yet, get on that. You won’t be disappointed.)

Hawkeye #19 (Marvel): Listen up! Apparently, it’s taken Aja a long time to master the art of sign language for this issue. That’s right: try to remember–or I’ll remind: Clint’s gone deaf. So…

Hawkeye #19

Uncanny X-Men #24 (Marvel): I missed the last issue. As a result, I have no idea what secrets Xavier’s will revealed. Now that’s a sin!

Another big week of big books, highlighted by four titles from our Top Ten of 2013 (Wild Blue Yonder, Saga, Zero, and Archer & Armstrong) and an Archie two-fer!

Batman and Robin #33 (DC): Robin Rises: Omega #1–a nonsensical, never-ending fight scene–was a huge disappointment. You know what? I’m going to pretend it never happened. Will be tough, though: I’m not too excited about the inevitable change of scenery; Lord Darkseid knows I’ve never been a fan of Apokolips.

Dead Boy Detectives #7 (DC/Vertigo): DBD has been very good–especially the previous Through the Looking Glass-inspired two-parter. New story starts here.

Superman #33 (DC): Re: #32: The new Men of Today: Geoff Johns and John Romita, Jr. have started their reign well with Men of Tomorrow. Liked how the former twisted Supes’ origin and came up with the well-named Ulysses. The latter proved that his style suits Superman just fine.

Wonder Woman #33 (DC): Azzarello and Chiang are on their way out. It’s been a helluva run–and gods know I will loyally follow them to the finish line.

Wonder Woman #33

Wild Blue Yonder #5 (IDW): Prepare to be jealous: I’ve already read it. Liked it a lot. (Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: we’ve celebrated this series from the guys at Noble Transmission since take off.) It lives up to the standard set by issues before: it’s summer-blockbuster big with some massive art moments from Zach Howard and Nelson Daniel. (Nobody does double-page spreads like these guys.) I particularly like how in a relativist sense the Judge is pretty much a good guy, as he is trying to do right by his people. Just so happens other folks–those who call The Dawn home–would have to suffer in order for his people to survive. If I’m finding myself rooting for the Judge, it’s because Mike Raicht is selling him well–kind of like how Patricia Highsmith convinces you root for the immoral Thomas Ripley; that’s high praise, indeed! Also sold well is the big “final” moment, which is drawn out just long enough to sell one character’s sacrifice and another’s loss. Can’t wait to see how everything plays out. If you can’t wait to find out more about this issue, check out Derek’s review here.

Wild Blue Yonder #5

Saga #21 (Image): This arc hasn’t really lived up to the Saga standard. That being said, it’s still better than most. #20 ended on a robot strong note–even if it were a bit too robotic, too thick with politic.

Trees #3 (Image): Hasn’t grown on me. In fact, Derek and I agree: there’s been too much junk in the trunk; and, as a result, Trees #2 is our Biggest Dis(appointment) of June. May have to chop this one down. Might have trouble seeing the forest for the cover, though.

Tress #3

Velvet #6 (Image): New arc time. The first one rubbed me the right way. Something very modest about it.

Zero #9 (Image): The series started with so much promise. That promise, however, has been broken. Into pieces. Tiny, tiny pieces. We denounced #8 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of May. It’ll take an act of God or my typical lack of willpower to get this one into my bag,

Supreme: Blue Rose #1 (Image): Ellis is lighting it up on Moon Knight yet is growing Trees at an pine’s pace. Wonder what we’ll get here.

Supreme: Blue Rose #1

Daredevil #6 (Marvel): #5 offered up my favorite line of the year: “Kudos to cancer.” Man, I laughed; and then I was like “Ugh”; and then I laughed some more. It’s quite clear: Mark ain’t afraid to Waid into some daring dialogue–especially if it’s meant to develop Matt further as the very best of friends and as the perfect Daredevil.

Afterlife With Archie #6 (Archie): Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla’s first arc was as close to perfect as can be. Expectations are very high for the next.

Archer & Armstrong #22 (Valiant): “American Wasteland” has been a blast! Re: #21: I mean, ho-Lee crap: Fred Van Lente is fearless–he’s the Lone Funman! It was so much fun, in fact, that we’ll be celebrating it as one of our Top 5 Books of June. You know, when we get around to it.

Archer & Armstrong #22

Life With Archie #37 (Archie): Honesty: #36 was my first issue of LWA. (I know I’m not alone in that one.) It won’t be my last. It was really, really good. Love the choices Paul Kupperberg–who wrote one of my far- from-Archie faves: Vigilante–made while walking his way through Archie’s life. Just took one issue to make me care a whole lot about the aftermath.

The Midas Flesh #8 (BOOM!): Mercifully comes the end. After a strong #2, the series quickly went south and has unfortunately stayed that course–not plot-wise, per se; it’s been an execution issue, including too much in the way of leaden redundancies. Maybe–just maybe–the end’ll be the true North we’ve been searching for.

Ordinary #3 (Titan): Mercilessly comes to an end. An end? Already? Noooooooooooooooo! Damn, man, the first two issues have been so very good. We celebrated #1 as one of our Top 5 Books of May, and #2 will be recognized as one of our Top Books of June, you know, eventually. Have every expectation that this’ll be just as good–if not better! A strong finale will bump Rob Williams from a laudable Must Try to a rare Must Buy.

Ordinary #3

The Twilight Zone #7 (Dynamite): This second arc hasn’t been as nearly as compelling as the first. That being said, #6 was definitely a step up from #5. I’ll probably ride this one out, return to my home dimension and leave the key to imagination under the mat for the next guy.

Paige’s Pick of the Week

Popeye #24 (IDW): Big Sister’s still working on her pile from last week, so Baby Sister gets her second book in three weeks–of life! I’ve keyed in on Popeye for her because she looks like the spinach-chompin’ sailor man when she eats. And the cover’s an appropriate hoot, too, ’cause toot toot, my baby girl is goshdarn gassy!

A big week with some stand-out books and a few make-or-breakers, too. Toss in a bunch of #1’s and you’ve got yourself a pretty full bag.

Oh, and a picture of a wrestler.

Robin Rises: Omega #1 (DC): It’s all led to this. By it, I mean: early on, Tomasi did a terrific job of toeing the Bat-line that Morrison drew in Batman Inc.; but for the most part the post-Two Face team-ups were terribly tedious. Stitching Batman to Frankenstein worked well, however, because of its acting as a natural segue into Robin’s resurrection–or whatever’s going to go down. Who knows? Maybe Robin’ll come back less human than human; maybe he’ll forevermore be known as–wait for it–Robzombie.

Robin Rises: Omega #1

The Squidder #1 (IDW): Trying out some new Ben Templesmith, who’s trying out some words along with his usually stunning images.

The Last Fall #1 (IDW): Writer Tom Waltz has had a hand in making TMNT a must buy. I’m willing to give him a shot here.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #36 (IDW): That’s right: TMNTis a must buy. The story’s been solid, and Mateus Santolouco’s art has been instrumental in redefining the Turtles.

TMNT #36

Rat Queens #7 (Image): The Unreal Queens of Comedy are back to offend our sensibilities–and, as #6 proved, to make us like ’em all a little bit more. (Yeah, the four-panel first page snagged me but good.) One thing that keeps me coming back for more: it reminds me of the late Drew Hayes’s Poison Elves. (God, I loved Poison Elves!)

The Wicked & The Divine #2 (Image): The title’s got me thinking less about the book itself and more about Kieron Gillen. I love Uber and really liked Three (Divine!); his post-Schism Uncanny X-Men was unreadable, and Young Avengers was wildly over-hyped (Wicked!). After #1, I’m leaning toward the latter. One thing going for it: it read not unlike a Johnathan Hickman book–just with characters who are annoying as hell.

Magneto #7 (Marvel): While #5 fell a bit flat, #6 reestablished Magneto’s mojo–with a vengeance! It’s all about vengeance, ain’t it? Good for us. Kudos to Cullen Bunn, who has gone a long way toward establishing himself as the master of the Master of Magnetism.

Ms. Marvel #6 (Marvel): #5 was the weakest issue thus far. Not saying it wasn’t good; there was just something…inconsistent about it. Wondering how the new artist–Jake Wyatt–will affect the book, especially considering how instrumental Adrian Alphona has been in making this book so magical from the get-go . I’m still very high on Kamala, though.

Not this one…

This one. Duh.

Silver Surfer #4 (Marvel): We’ve celebrated #1 and #2 as Top 5 books–of March and April, respectively. And, not surprisingly, you’ll soon find that we liked #3 a whole lot, too. No doubt: this last wave of Marvel books has been damn good; and of the bunch riding it–including the aforementioned Ms. Marvel and Magneto, plus the knockout Iron Fist–Slott and Allred’s Silver Surfer is the Big Kahuna.

Silver Surfer #4

Uncanny X-Men #23 (Marvel): I’ve admitted it already, but I’ll do so again; see, it needs to be emphasized–especially since I was such a tough customer: I like what Bendis is doing on both X-books. That’s right: I’m a believer! And not simply on the strength of one or two issues of each; no, I’d still be cautious–maybe even rude–with such a small sampling. After several issues of each–of All-New and Uncanny–I haven’t had a single thing to complain about! Well, it’s more than just not having something to complain about: Bendis has found the all-important balance between the serious and the silly that must be struck in order for the X-Men to work. Works for me.

The Last Broadcast #3 (Archaia): Thus far, The Last Broadcast has been a magical experience! In fact, we’re going to be celebrating #2 as a top book of June, you know, when we finally get around to it. Seriously, though, Andre Sirangelo and Gabriel Iumazark have pieced together an engrossing mystery that plays like a Polanski film (Frantic, The Ninth Gate). (Hey, I might use that in my Top 5 review…)

The Last Broadcast #3

The Devilers #1 (Dynamite): If I see Joshua Hale Fialkov’s name on a book, I’m going to buy the book. Where he’s at now (The Bunker, The Life After), odds are good this’ll be hella good.

Avery’s Picks of the Week:

Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination #7 (DC): She’s got the first six, so there’s no stopping now–even if she has no idea what’s going on. After all, we’re a family of completists. Unless a book really sucks, of course.

American Vampire: Second Cycle #4 (DC/Vertigo): I’ve been disappointed by the Second Cycle thus far. It pales in comparison to the first go-round; it’s as if the life has been sucked out of the story by some supernatural force–because there’s no way Snyder’d stumble so badly on his signature series without there being a unreasonable explanation, right? Damn thing’s gone from blockbuster to B-movie. At the end of #3, I was like “What the devil?” and “What? The devil?” at the very same time! Followed with an “Ugh.” I’m only considering it because it’s a light week. Smart move’ll be to pass. Honest self-assessment: on Wednesdays, my IQ drops more than a few points.

Grayson #1 (DC): I’ve always preferred Dick over all of the other Robins. Sure, his transition to Nightwing was tough to swallow at first; but in the end it made terrific sense; and the character has played an rock solid role in the DCU and in the Bat-family ever since. This move–to super-spy–seems more like engineered evolution, meekly bending toward what’s trending; see: it has me thinking Winter Soldier–which means I won’t be able to help myself from comparing Seely’s work to Brubaker’s. Yeah, yeah, I know: but all’s fair in love, war–and comics.

Grayson #1

Royals: Masters of War #6 (DC/Vertigo): The penultimate issue ended with a kingly twist–a perfect set up for the finale. Rob Williams and Simon Coleby have packed five issues of Royals with high energy and explosive moments. Should probably wear a bomb-disposal get-up while reading this one.

All-New X-Men #29 (Marvel): Still waiting on #28. Wonder if I should take it as a sign and pass. Followers will note that for 24 issues–I skipped #25–I begged for the strength to leave Bendis’s mutant massacre on the shelf and that #26 stripped me of all complaints and left me believing in Bendis anew–all the way through #27. That’s right: still waiting on #28.

Daredevil #5 (Marvel): Time to find out about Foggy. A quick note on #.1: Surprisingly good. I’m generally wary of .this and .that issues; but this one’s got a clear purpose: filling in some of the blanks between New York and San Francisco.

Daredevil #5

Original Sin #5.1 (Marvel): As much as I’d like to avoid the Original Sin trap, I can’t here: Al Ewing and Jason Aaron are serving up a little Loki. Oh, and Thor, too. Can’t forget Thor.

The United States of Murder #3 (Marvel): Bendis is in his criminal element here. If there were any question after a lackluster #1, then #2 is all the proof you’ll ever need.

Armor Hunters #2 (Valiant): #1 was a solid opening salvo and was supported very well by a strong X-O Manowar #26. Super-high praise: kudos to Venditti for making me feel like I did when I read comics as a kid.

Armor Hunters #2

Doc Savage #7 (Dynamite): Has lost some of its shine. As time has gone on, The Man of Bronze has become The Man of Boredom. Can’t imagine I’ll be sticking around much longer without a real knockout of an issue.

The Life After #1 (Oni Press): Joshua Hale Fialkov is a must try considering the tremendous job he’s doing with time travel on The Bunker. The guy can flat-out tell a story.

The Life After #1

Magnus: Robot Fighter #5 (Dynamite): #4 ended on a pair of strong notes. The series, in general, has been my favorite of the Gold Key books. Could it be–I don’t know–because Van Lente’s at the top of his game right now? You just nodded in the affirmative, didn’t you?

Magnus: Robot Fighter #5

Thomas Alsop #2 (BOOM!): #1 was a BIG surprise! Chris Miskiewicz and Palle Schmidt delivered an excellent set-up issue that balances well the spirited situation in the present and the foundation that was laid in the past. Can’t wait to get into this one.

This’ll be my inaugural haul from the new and improved Android’s Amazing Comics. Looks like it’ll be a grand opening, indeed!

The Wake #9 (DC/Vertigo): Scott Snyder’s overhyped submersible vehicle draws–drowns?–closer to its long awaited end. By long awaited, I mean this thing could’ve been a sixer. Am I wrong? Of course I’m not wrong.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #34 (IDW): Any hype this one’s been getting has been well earned. The Turtles are serious business, boys and girls: Waltz and Eastman have managed the considerable cast remarkably well, all along allowing the child at the heart of the book to play innocently while the adults are getting work done–no easy task; and, speaking of getting work done, artist Mateus Santolouco lifts the lot to another level with his signature style–one that has quickly become the face of the titular freaky foursome.

Clone #17 (Image): Issue after issue David Schulner and co. unveil another perfectly engineered model of their fast-paced formula, taking hairpin page turns toward high-octane twists! #16, an anxious affair, made more so by Juan Jose Ryp’s insanely detailed artwork and Andy Troy’s committed colors, delivers a real shot to the gut; and we’re left bleeding and pleading, “More, please.”

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #3 (Marvel): Kaare Andrews definitely deserves an iron fist bump or two for this randy reboot of K’Un Lun’s favorite son. His images and words come together like yin and yang, balancing Danny’s heartbreaking backstory with the apocalyptic present. It’s Kung Fu Theater in a comic!

Loki: Agent of Asgard #5 (Marvel): Loving Loki, Midgard’s most magical metrosexual! The star of the show, though, is Al Ewing’s wit, which is sharper even than Sigurd’s Gram. That’s right: I’m all about Asgard–and it only took four issues to bring me around!

Magneto #5 (Marvel): Magneto the Merciless. Me likey. Cullen Bunn’s already shown a knack for delivering magnetic moments, making a raging Magneto easy to root for–especially as he works in vane to cleanse a faux farm of Purifiers. Did you notice: the death by windmill was literally–and cleverly–foreshadowed on the side of the barn over the course of three scene-shifting panels!

Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2 (Marvel): #1 brought us back to what made Ultimate Spider-Man work: Bendis’s surrendering super in favor of human. There’s magic in Miles, after all. And, damn, how about that last page? One of those rare times when petering out is a good thing.

Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2

Miracleman #7 (Marvel): Running a bit behind. Still haven’t gotten around to #5. But what I’ve read so far has been miraculous.

Moon Knight #4 (Marvel): Loved #3. Just one reason: “You possess all kinds of armor and raiment for fighting the living: how can you not have garments for fighting the dead?” I mean, duh! Warren Ellis knows exactly how to exploit this medium: he wields his words efficiently and allows Declan Shalvey to once again spread his wings. Together, they deliver a powerful punch and, with that narrative fist, continue to fill the cavernous Batvoid in my life. Thanks, fellas!

Doc Savage #6 (Dynamite): Starting to lose a little steam for me as it chugs its way to the present. I bought the Annual but don’t really feel compelled to read it, you know, with the different creative team and all. Just doesn’t inspire. Helluva a price tag on that sucker, too. We’re back to business–and back to Y2K–with this one.

Quantum and Woody #11 (Valiant): Crazy fun! I cannot wait for the showdown with the E.R.A. I’m telling you: if you like Rat Queens, you’ll definitely dig Q&W. James Asmus has really found a groove–and his needle sharp wit is riding it at 78 rpm, delivering sweet, sweet music, man; and Kano, the Bono of comic book artists, has, with #10, delivered the most vocal visuals of the series to date.

Quantum and Woody #11

Rai #2 (Valiant): I didn’t love #1, but I’m going to give it–Matt Kindt, more so, if I’m being honest–another issue. Wasn’t going to, except for the fact that #1 read a lot like Star Wars: Rebel Heist #1, which I ended up enjoying more after I thought about it for a while. Here’s hoping that Rai #2 will give me something to think about. Clayton Crain’s painted art didn’t live up to expectations. Don’t get me wrong it’s impressive for what it is; but in terms of the storytelling, it’s stiff and lifeless. More hoping: that the images catch up to the words.

Batman Eternal #4 (DC): Your eyes are not deceiving you: I’m still on board! #3 offered up enough to keep me interested. I only wish I knew who is responsible for the parts I like…

Southern Bastards #1 (Image): I’m willing to give this a shot because I liked what Jason Aaron did on Wolverine and the X-Men–until the AvX crossover nonsense. Haven’t read Scalped, but, like you, I’ve heard good things.

Hulk #2 (Marvel): I actually passed on #1 the week it came out. Picked it up last week, however, because Derek recommended it. Good call. Waid is always worth a shot; and in this case his new direction for Dr. Banner read a lot like Busiek’s Astro City, with the focus on the surgeon and his ethical dilemma.

Silver Surfer #2 (Marvel): We loved Silver Surfer #1! In fact, we celebrated it as our #5 book of March!

Silver Surfer #2

Doc Savage #5 (Dynamite): I’ve finally caught up–meaning: I read the first four over the weekend. I’m glad I piled them up without having read one; this is pretty good stuff! Also reads a bit like Astro City. And that ain’t a bad thing.

Rachel Rising #25 (Abstract Studio): One of our favorite series took quite a step back with #24. It was such a significant step in the wrong direction that we called it our Biggest Dis(appointment) of March. You know we’re hoping for a comeback–for Terry Moore to rise to the level we’ve come to love.

Rachel Rising #25

Rai #1 (Valiant): Matt Kindt kicks off another Valiant title: the return of Rai! OK, so, I don’t know anything about Rai; but I know from Kindt, and I dig ‘im lots. Not that Unity’s been great or anything. Mind MGMT, however, has earned Kindt lifetime Must Try status.

Astro City #11 (DC/Vertigo): On to something new after the Winged Victory arc. Doesn’t matter what it is, really; it’s going to be a solid read. Kurt Busiek’s good like that.

Royals: Masters of War #3 (DC/Vertigo): My problem with #2: the pacing. If Rob Williams were shooting for the fog of war, then he hit the target and caused plenty of collateral damage in the process. The art from Simin Colby, however, was just as strong.

Royals: Masters of War #3

Batman Eternal #1 (DC): I have no faith in the value of this series–for a couple of reasons, really: the words “weekly” (more so “weakly’?) and “various” wail like a siren warning me away; and I’ve found no use for Snyder’s Batman since the penultimate issue of the Court of Owls storyline. Hard to imagine things’ll be different this time around. I’ll thumb through it and make the call from there.

East of West #11 (Image): Still a slow death–even after an uncharacteristically busy #10–but still very good. Funny: Hickman’s plodding style plays well here but not so well on his hero books.

East of West #11

Manifest Destiny #6 (Image): I swore to Derek that #5 was my last issue. Let’s see if I can stick to my muskets.

Shutter #1 (Image): A “female Indiana Jones”? That promise doesn’t do much for me–mostly because I couldn’t care less about Indiana Jones. (Deep breath, Derek. It’ll be OK.) How about, maybe, a “classy Lara Croft”? Nah. Still nothin’. OK, how about an “Image #1”? Now we’re talkin’!

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1 (Marvel): I’ve always liked Iron Fist/Danny Rand. And I also like the idea of a singular creator–in this case, Kaare Andrews–taking him on. I’ll give it a try.

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1

Nightcrawler #1 (Marvel): The name Chirs Claremont carries a lot of weight. Unfortunately, Nightcrawler is my least favorite X-Man–ever. May have to BAMF! its way into my bag.

Flash Gordon #1 (Dynamite): Not kidding: the main reason I’m leaning toward “yes” is because I’ve taken to Millar’s Starlight, a clear spin on the Flash Gordon story. Doesn’t hurt that Jeff Parker and Evan Shaner are attached to it.

The Twilight Zone #4 (Dynamite): #2 was one of our top books of February. #3 didn’t quite reach that level, but it was still pretty good. #4 brings J. Michael Straczynski’s first arc to its face-melting final act. Will the real Trevor Richmond please stand up. Please stand up. Please stand up.